My new user S3

R

rbsinto

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Through a good photobuddy down in The States, I just won an ebay auction for a user chrome S3. From the description it appears to be exactly the kind of camera I want; cosmetics-7.5/10 and mechanics-optics 9.5/10. The opening bid was $595.00 US, and mine was the only the only bid. I assume that is because S3's are not known as shooter's cameras, and not being in great cosmetic shape, this one was ignored by collectors. Still, for me it's like I won the Lottery. Now I've got two S3's, which will let me carry two different lenses when I out on the street.
 
As with many people, there is that certain mystique to the SP that makes it appealing to me, but being the practical person I am, I've come to realize that the uncluttered viewfinder of the S3 suits me very well, so the price difference between the SP and the S3 makes the latter especially attractive to me as a shooter.
 
Congratulations on the S3!

Those are still my favorite cameras. Yes, the viewfinder is cluttered. But that's because it's giving you a boatload of information. It is especially informative on helping you judge the relative importance or unimportance of parallax, depending on lens choice.
 
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I agree!
I have been using a S3 for some time and really like it - the only drawback with my camera has been a relatively unsharp rangefinder which has made setting the focus difficult in poor lighting conditions (my S2 is actually much better). Bought a S3 2000 limied edition from a fellow RFF member a few weeks back and that´s my no 1 shooter right now!
/Jon
 
Jon,
There is no question that many consider the S2 to be the shooter's Nikon rangefinder. I've never even held an S2 let alone shot with one, so I can't speak to that issue. However, in my brief experience, I've had nothing but success with the S3, and find it to be all the rangefinder camera I could want or need.
 
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I sold my S2 to fund a new S3 2000 and for me it was the right choice. I like the idea of not needing an external finder for a 35 or a 105 and don’t need the options that the SP brings (I’d just buy more glass). I love the S2 for a 50/1:1 viewfinder combo. I was not thrilled about the shutter speed dial (rotating) but could have lived with it if I could have used the 35 at the edges of the frame.

I love my new 50/1.4 Mil and having to worry about an external finder only for my 25 (CV) makes me a very happy camper. For me, the perfect camera is finding the right set of compromises as what is perfect for me is not for everyone. The benefits of the S3 vs the compromises make it my favorite Nikon RF these days.

Congrats on your second, very happy to hear you got a good deal.

B2 (;->
 
B2,
In terms of dollars and cents it appears to be a very good deal (my first S3 with a Juipiter 8- 50 f2 lens cost me $900.00 Canadian, and I thought based on its shape that that was a good price) but I'll know for sure if it's the bargain I think it to be when I've got it in hand, and most importantly, look through the viewfinder. Then I'll know.
 
Robert, just wondering if your new to you S3 arrived? Hope its in the condition described and works out as a good shooter camera 🙂
 
Jon,
I'll probably not have it for a while because it was purchased for me by a friend in the US, and depending on some personal circumstances, I may or may not be seeing him in the very next short while.
No matter. I've got more than enough cameras, SLR as well as the first S3 to shoot with until I get this one. I'll let you know about its condition when I've got it in hand.
 
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